The International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in Lisbon was reportedly a rewarding experience for Tourism Ireland and 21 golf and tourism operators.
IGTM connected 47 countries supporting golf tourism and 380 exhibitors with 305 golf travel agents and tour operators
The event included a welcome networking party, a Golf Day with 300 golfers playing across four courses, and networking opportunities during meals and key events.
IGTM expanded its speed networking event, allowing exhibitors and buyers to freely connect with each other for two hours.
More than 13,000 business appointments took place over the three days, with additional meetings happening during networking events.
Tourism Ireland aims to promote Ireland as a top golf destination, emphasising its 405 registered 18 hole golf courses, of which 58 are links courses. This means 23.4pc of the true links course sin the world are located in Ireland.
Sinéad Murray, Tourism Ireland’s Acting Head of Business Partnership, said the tourism body is also highlighting the upcoming return of The British Open to Royal Portrush in 2025 and the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in 2027.
The event showcased emerging destinations and welcomed new exhibitors, including the tourism board of Azerbaijan, offering cultural and golf experiences.
The participation of travel media and golf specialist publications increased, providing increased exposure for exhibitors.
International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) is an annual global B2B golf travel community event with over 450 suppliers and 380 pre-qualified buyers.
RX, the organizer of IGTM, focuses on building businesses through face-to-face events and digital products, operating in 22 countries across 43 industry sectors.
IGTM 2024 is scheduled to take place from October 28th to 31st at Feira Internacional de Lisboa.
Tourism and golf operators joining Tourism Ireland at IGTM 2023 included:
- Activities Ireland
- Ballybunion Golf Club
- Carne Golf Links
- Castlemartyr Resort
- City Hotel Derry / Portrush Atlantic Hotel
- G Golf Ireland
- Galgorm
- Glasson Lakehouse
- Hastings Hotels
- Killeen Castle Golf Resort & Lodges
- Loughview Leisure Group
- Luttrellstown Castle
- Mount Juliet Estate
- Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion
- North & West Coast Links
- Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links
- Seapoint Golf Links
- SWING Golf Ireland
- The K Club
- The Royal Dublin Golf Club
- Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg
